Welcome

© 2008 LMNOP ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN

WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.

Small shoes with

BIG personalities.

pg 13

We are heading into my favourite part of the year. As September

approaches I will be busy making plans for my son’s birthday

party. We always celebrate BIG — birthdays are very special in

our family! There’s always lots to organise but I enjoy making it

all come together. This year my son has briefed me to make a

Pink Hot Wheels Princess cake! I’ll let you know in the next issue

if I mangaged to pull that one off ...

Photographer Monika Elena shares her daughter’s 1st birthday

with us on page 33. A charming Sugar & Spice themed celebration.

We’ve got two travel stories for you in this issue. Covering two

great cities — Vancouver and Chicago. I visited Vancouver

recently and had a wonderful time exploring their great city. I

met with Shana Duffy, founder of the ethereal online boutique

Enfant Terrible. She has such distinctive taste in recognising

artists who offer something unique for children! Shana joins us

this issue with a regular column showcasing artists and designers

who are part of Enfant Terrible’s collection. See page 1 1.

We also feature the very talented artist and mother Lisa Golightly.

Lisa very kindly agreed to do a portrait of me and my son for this

column. You can see it above. Thank you again Lisa.

We have introduced clickable ads in this issue to help you see

some of the great products our advertisers have to offer you.

You’ll be able to visit their websites without losing your place in

LMNOP. Just click on the ad and it will link you straight through

to the website while our magazine stays on your desktop.

Have fun.

Jenny Lacey

Editor

lmnopLAUGH • MAKE • NURTURE • ORGANISE • PLAY

Sienna Photographed by Ian MacPherson lmnop.com.au

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21 tips to help

your family

go green.

pg 27

Take a walk through ModernKid.

pg 19

CHIC

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Chicago’s kid-friendly attractions. pg 23

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New colourful toys

to PLAY with.

pg 7Messy

Mites.

pg 31

ON THE COVER Sienna wears Flowerbed dress in brown with removable flower,

Buisjes En Beugels +++, 69.95 EUR, buisjesenbeugels.nl.

Limote tights, Big by Fiona Scanlan, $14.95, and Moroccan

ballet flat, Zid Zid, $46.95, My Messy Room, (02) 9798 3233.

Photographed by Ian MacPherson.

LMNOP CONTRIBUTORS

JENNIFER WARD FEATURES EDITOR

Your favourite letter of the alphabet and why? The letter A because its the

leader and it’s what you use to speak of things ... a bed, a toy, a child. Without it, we

would be lost. Were you a tree climber or a reader? Tree climber for sure. I have

often been dubbed an “adventure seeker.” I love reading but I find it hard to sit

still. A childhood activity you wish you could still do? Cartwheels. How would

your parents describe you as a child? Creative, strong willed and ambitious.

Favourite childhood toy? And do you still have it? Lincoln logs. I don’t have the

original set any longer but they do still make them. Favourite book growing up?

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi-Barrett.

KATE FENWICK WRITER

Your favourite letter of the alphabet and why? S, because every time you write

it, it looks different and I had to go to speech therapy to actually pronounce it as

a child. Were you a tree climber or a reader? As much as I loved my books, I

could regularly be found up the tree in the front yard with my imagination. How

would your parents describe you as a child? Loud and a challenge. If I came

with a receipt they would have taken me back! Favourite childhood toy? And

do you still have it? My teddy Bianca was always a treasured possesion, now

sadly residing in a storage box somewhere with Rainbow Brite. Favourite book

growing up? Enid Blyton’s Magic Faraway Tree took me to some amazing places.

ALLI COATE ILLUSTRATOR

Your favourite letter of the alphabet and why? My favourite letter is A for my

name. I remember feeling bad for the letter N because it was so similar to M, but

always had to go second. A childhood activity you wish you could still do? I wish

I could still ride on my Daddy’s shoulders. Favourite childhood toy? And do you

still have it? My stuffed Mickey Mouse. And yes, I still have him! I also still have

my father’s favourite stuffed animal from when he was a baby. It’s very special

to me. Favourite book growing up? One of my favourites was Little Women by

Louisa May Alcott. It was one of the biggest books in our school library, and I

remember checking it out over and over again until I finally finished it.

SONYA CHOE MILLER FEATURES EDITOR

Your favourite letter of the alphabet and why? J – I loved writing capital J’s in

cursive. Name a favourite childhood game? “Say Say O’Playmate” hand clapping

games. Were you a tree climber or a reader? Both. A childhood activity you

wish you could still do? Eat cookies all day. Favorite childhood toy? And do you

still have it? A white wooly lamb that I carried everywhere, but it’s nowhere to

be found today. Favourite book growing up? The Boxcar Children by Gertrude

Chandler Warner. How cool to decorate and live in a boxcar.

ODDS AND ENDS

MySpaceJeu de Paume is a small group of Japanese

publishers that work with artists and designers

in Europe to explore their creative work and living

spaces. They have recently published a series of

books documenting children’s rooms in London,

Paris and Stockholm. These colourful books

celebrate spaces that children inhabit and are full

of inspiration to create your own nostalgic indoor

playground. LMNOP has a copy of Children’s

Rooms, Stockholm to give away. Send us a photo

of your child’s favourite space and the team at

LMNOP will pick the winner. Email your photo to

competition@lmnop.com.au Competition closes

3 November, 2008.

Once-A-YearMothers are busy people. So it’s hard to find the time to create precious keepsakes of your child growing up.

Kasia Jacquot, a mum herself understood this, so she created a clever book that allows you to keep a written and pictorial record of your little one’s childhood, with minimal fuss. Make an entry just once a year. All you need is one photo for each year of your childs life and a few minutes to write a brief record of important events that happened that year.

Once completed the concertina pages will give you a beautiful landscape of your child’s life so far. Cover designs are inspired by Kasia’s Polish roots and are screenprinted in her studio. And the books come with a protective felt pouch, handstitched by Kasia’s mum. See, mums are busy people!

Laikonik, Once-A-Year books, $75 laikonik.com.au

best dressedThis month LMNOP attended the opening of Sydney’s new

must-see Arabella Boutique. An exquisite emporium filled with

must-have classics — dressing baby and child. Owner Marianna

O’Sullivan has thoughtfully selected some of Europe’s most

sophisticated childrenswear brands. One of them being London’s

current darling — Caramel. An elegant, yet playful collection of

clothing made with luxurious cottons, wool and cashmere.

A trip to Arabella’s is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.

Arabella Boutique, 117 Jersey Road, Woollahra, Sydney

(02) 9362 8155, arabellaboutique.com.au

Text by JENNY LACEY

lmnop 3

Children’s Rooms ‘Stockholm’, ‘Paris’ & ‘London’, $35.42 Kinokuniya Bookstore, kinokuniya.com

lmnop.com.au

BABIES LOVE CINOSKatrina Thomson has written a new book for the café set who indulge in babycinos when out with their mums. I Love My Babycinos teaches these trend setters about the days of the week, differences and opposites. And that drinking milk is good for growing bones!

By Katrina Thomson, $9.95

ilovemybabycinos.com.au

WORDLESS WAVES

Wave needs absolutely no words to tell the universal story of a day at the beach

and of new found friendship. A simple picture book, beautifully illustrated in only

two shades of watercolour — Artist Suzy Lee captures the ‘catch-me if you can’

game that children often play with the ocean.

Wave by Suzy Lee, Chronicle Books, $24.95, My Messy Room, (02) 9798 3233

TAKE-AWAY FAMILY

Order your very own custom tailored family of four or however many you like. Delicately hand painted and varnished with non-toxic materials. Measuring at just 1” to 3.5” in height.

Goose Grease, $US58, (pet not included) goosegrease.etsy.com

A perfect opportunity to set out Munchkin Tables

and Chairs — Charlie’s 5th birthday! Munchkin Tables

also offers the hire of themed tablecloths and fun

chair decorations.

lmnop 5

To see how this busy mum makes kids’ parties

fun, pull up a chair at her munchkin table.

PHOTOGR APHED BY Ian MacPherson

MeetGeorgia Boyd

CHARLIE AND HEIDI ’S MUM

LMNOP: How were you inspired to start your business?

GB: I realised there was a gap in smart party hire equipment of tables and chairs

when I was planning Heidi’s birthday. I combined the idea of tables and chairs with

hand-crafted tablecloths.

LMNOP: What’s your most popular party theme?

GB: Equally the girly themes — tea party, fairy and princess. I think they may also be

influenced by the Mums who just love the pom-pom fringed tablecloths — they are

so pretty and feminine!

LMNOP: What advice would you give to other mums trying to start a business?

GB: If it is secondary to your 9-5 job (as this is to me), it helps to have a supportive

husband and the preparedness to get your hands dirty! There’s a lot to learn about

running your own business and the initial stages are key to its future success. The

more you do-it-yourself, the better understanding you have of its operation.

LMNOP: How do you juggle your business with motherhood?

GB: Because the business is primarily weekend-based, we involve the kids which

allows them to feel like they play a role in it and makes us feel like we’re not being

torn away from them. Charlie is particularly involved … he comes up with a different

theme almost every week! So there are a lot of new boys’ themes coming up!

LMNOP: What’s your biggest challenge as a mum?

GB: At this stage and age of Charlie and Heidi – getting through the ‘witching hour’

each day!

LMNOP: What do you, Charlie and Heidi like to do together?

GB: Our weekends don’t go by without a walk together at the beach (Balmoral) with

our coins to toss in the wishing well.

LMNOP: The best piece of advice you’ll ever give to your children?

GB: Challenge yourself … life will be more interesting.

Munchkin Tables, munchkintables.com.au

I couldn’t live without

Coffee from the Bacino Boys, after an early morning walk.

What we’re reading at the moment

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L.Frank Baum. A childhood

favourite of mine which seems to be just as special

for Charlie and Heidi.

When I have 30 minutes to myself

Undoubtedly a walk with some good music and fresh air to gather my thoughts

for the day ahead.

No baking neccessary Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

Serve up these cakes on a rainy afternoon for some endless fun. Twinkle

Kids make delicious, festive felt cakes which you can decorate yourself.

No messy icing to spread — just use the felt decorations and stick them

to your three-tiered felt cake. These heavenly cakes arrive in a gleaming

white cake box tied with bakers twine. Felt decorations included.

Carnival Cake, US$50, Exclusive to Mahar Drygoods, mahardrygoods.com

Garden Cake, US$59, Baby Cake, US$24, Happy B’day Word Decoration

Pack, US$15, Twinkle Kids, twinkle-kids.com

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Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

PLAYToys, craft and stationery to tickle the imagination.

FLOWER CHAINS

Felted flowers bring a bloom to any occassion. Hang these for a party, draped over a curtain rod. Or use them as a table decoration. No water neccessary and they won’t wilt.

Papoose, US$35, Monkey Puzzle, (02) 9799 7101

MAGNA-TILES

Nurture the modern architect in you. Flat geometric shapes that snap together with

magnets let you create 3-dimensional buildings.

Valtech Co, $89.90 teaching.com.au

STITCH HAPPY

Clauss and Perry, two hand-screenprinted animals on canvas are an easy “learn to sew” project and come with a special name tag. Each animal approximately 9”x 8”.

Egg Press, US$26 each eggress.com

STACKS OF FUN

A beautiful 9 piece stacking toy. Make her as tall or as short as you like!

Bajo, $62.95, Monkey Puzzle (02) 9799 7101

MONEY IN THE MIDDLE

Watch your savings grow in this wooden piggy bank. He’ll keep your coins safe behind a plastic window held by screws until you’re ready to empty

and fill him again.

Bajo, $49, Monkey Puzzle (02) 9799 7101

lmnop.com.au

lmnop 8

Text by SONYA CHOE MILLER

PLAY

WONDERFUL COMPANIONS

Each one of these unique animals is made from vintage felted wool. Sure to become a cherished favorite, these little friends are as soft and cuddly as they are adorable. An earth-friendly alternative to the traditional stuffed animal.

Wonderlamb, C$59 each wonderlamb.com

INDOOR SANDBOX

Bring in the outdoors with this 10”x 10” x 2” tabletop sandbox. Monster Truck shown here lets kids drive, rake and shovel. Some other kits include Beach Party and Funny Farm. Great for apartment dwellers

limited to small outdoor spaces.

Be Good Company, US$24.95, fatbraintoys.com

TIN WHEELS

Go back in time with these tin wheels. Cars have a tow-hook to pull the camper. And the camper opens to reveal a small living space. The garage accomodates two cars. The camper will have to stay in the driveway!

Kovap, Garage $21.95, Mercedes Coupe & Convertible Cabrio $18.95 each, Caravan $26.95, kidostore.com

THE BIGGEST CATCH

Let your little fisher catch and haul a rainbow of fish on this wooden

boat. This stacking toy introduces colours, shapes and patterns.

Glückskäfer, $64.95 Monkey Puzzle, (02) 9799 7101

CATCHING SUN RAYS

Explore the basics of photography. Each kit includes 12 4” x 4” photo sheets and a plexiglass overlay. You provide the found objects and wait

for a sunny day to create original artwork.

Larence Hall of Science, US$4.95 lawrencehallofscience.stores.yahoo.net/

sunprintkits.html

SOAP STACKS

Translucent cylinders of 100% vegetable glycerin soap are as much fun as they are

functional. Just rub the sticks between your hands to work up some good clean fun.

Available in 6 different scents and colors.

Arizona Soapworks, US$6.75 for 6 arizonasoapworks.com

lmnop.com.au

Gary is tough enough to last a day at the playground. He’s hand-made from hemp, FSC Certified Oak Pine and doesn’t mind being flung from the monkey bars.

Gary from Our Childrens Gorilla, $189 Kido, kidostore.com

Tough Guy

lmnop.com.au

Hidden inside this perfectly made, solid wooden ball is a mechanism that produces one of Mozart’s sweet melodies. Insert the elegantly shaped key, turn it and the chime will magically play whether the ball is rolling across the floor or standing on a table as an ornament. This splendid sphere will be the perfect, unique gift for the newborn that has everything.

Mozartkugel by Siebensachen, $149 Monkey Puzzle, (02) 9799 7101

Musical ball

lmnop 10

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON Styling by JENNY LACEY

lmnop.com.au

baby’s got style online boutique

We ship our too cool for pre-school brands (newborn to size 8) worldwide! Speedy service, unique clothes, amazing gifts and accessories.

SONJA AHLERS FOR ENFANT TERRIBLEThe Fierce Bunny CollectionThe collection by Sonja Ahlers is composed of a trio of

captivating bunnies hand made of vintage deconstruct-

ed angora and lambswool.

When my daughter met her fierce bunny, a gorgeous

creature made of hand dyed pale grey Italian angora

found by Sonja’s mum at a charity shop in Canada, she

stroked her body chattering ‘what long dancing arms’.

These bunnies are both an art piece and beloved

creature and with love might become a part of a family

story. The fierce bunny collection by Sonja Ahlers is

exclusive to enfant terrible.

Enceinte (expecting) Mummy Bunny,

by Sonja Ahlers, C$160, enfantterribleshop.com

lmnop 11

From super cute onesies to adorable owls, Jennifer Talbot’s art takes many shapes and forms. The latest venture with her company b.delicious is custom interior design using interactive features and matching décor.

After graduating from art school, Jennifer spent ten years exploring the dimensions of exhibition installations, although her plans expanded along with her belly when she heard the pitter patter of little feet.

Her recent work designing custom bedrooms for children is by far the most unique and innovative. The ‘Woodland Project’ demonstrates her ability to blend interior design and art to create a magnificent garden befitting any princess chambers. She uses an array of earthy fabrics, colours, textures and shapes that both play off each other and beg for you to play with them, especially her series of wise owls that appear regularly in her work.

With plans to expand her playroom designs into more niche markets, it won’t be long before you can have your own personal woodland garden growing near you.

For details contact Jennifer Talbot at info@bdelicious.com

Images by Amy Braswell

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Text by KATE FENWICK

Text by SHANA DUFFY

escape to Whimsical Woodland

130 NEW design& colour choices

Only $25 eachClick Here to buy

Cuteness hasa new name

Personalised T-shirts

NO. 1:

These Little Hero Super Capes have been taking the world by storm! Finally you can rescue your kitchen dishtowels and dress your wonder child in something more befitting a superhero. Superbly handcrafted in colourful satins, choose from a myriad of designs or have one custom-made with your child’s initial on the back. Power cuffs and masks have recently been added to the collection and are now available in Australia at Monkeytail and Wellington. These capes are super fun and packed with lots of WOW!

Little Hero Super Capes, US$35, discoverydenim.etsy.com Matching powercuffs and masks (not shown), from $8.95, monkeytailandwellington.com.au

Pint-size Superheros

lmnop 12 lmnop.com.au

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

shoe personality

baby side tie:A couture classic. Made

of 100% vegetable-tanned Italian lambskin and handstitched with

yellow stitching. May include imprint of

baby’s name. C$206, Georgina Goodman,

enfantterribleshop.com

Bubble-icious Bubble is a trade-only event which attracts retailers, buyers and media from around the world. Each event is carefully conceived as a focused trade show, where retailers can meet exhibitors. On show is a global mix of fashion and toy brands.

Bubble New York hosted it’s 6th edition at Terminal Stores in Chelsea on 8 August, 2008. Retailers, buyers and media from around the world gathered at Bubble to seek out the latest kids’ fashion, home décor, toys and accessories. Look forward to seeing their finds in stores soon or check out the exhibitors for yourself at bubbletradeshows.com

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

beautiful basics for babies and kids 0-6baobab.com.au

sookie babysookie babysookie baby

Gifts and essentials for mother and baby

Don’t cry, baby! We have $7 flat rate shipping Austrailia-wide!

www.sookiebaby.com

bib byBaskHome

“ Bubble is full of new, fresh brands from around the world. The perfect trade show to find something different, to freshen up my store. Love the selection!”Jessica Hirschlein Citibabes

Upcoming Dates:

BUBBLE London Jan, 2009 BUBBLE NEW NYC March, 2009

For more information visit bubbletradeshows.com

raeden:Exclamation points all the way! $64.95, See Kai Run, seekairun.com/storefinder

moroccan ballet flat:Handmade 100% leather shoe with sequined starburst design on the toes. $46.95, Zid Zid, My Messy Room (02) 9798 3233

lmnop 14 lmnop.com.au

Styling by JENNY LACEY

heidi walks:Baby and toddler shoe. No seamline and hand-made from one piece of leather. $41.95, All About Heidi, My Messy Room, (02) 9798 3233

closed shoe:Made of 100% vegetable-tanned Italian leather and Gucio’s signature yellow sole. C$72, Gucio, enfantterribleshop.com

lmnop 15 lmnop.com.au

sean:Gray and white sneaker. $69.95, See Kai Run, seekairun.com/storefinder

bent:Jelly bean green and grey bowler with black tyres. $69.95, See Kai Run, seekairun.com/storefinder

lmnop 16 lmnop.com.au

min

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on paris by Jennifer Ward

lmnop.com.aulmnop 17

If you are travelling to Paris with children ages 2–7, there are

many magnificent parks, playgrounds, and musuems, to captivate

your family. Having recently taken a trip with my daughter, the

hightlight of our trip was spending the day at Parc de la Villette.

Located in the 19th, bordering Seine-Saint-Denis, this is the

largest park in the city of Paris. One of many appealing features

of this park is the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: the biggest

science museum in Europe. In December of 2007, they opened

The Children’s Cité — Next Generation for Small Children.

There are 90-minute sessions that you and your child can enjoy. While we were waiting for our session to begin we caught a free 3-D movie about ocean life.

Once our session began, it was 90 minutes of pure bliss. One area that was of interest was about scale and size. Not only was I blown away by the aesthetic, the concept of scale and size was executed perfectly.

Composed of 5 thematic structure areas, a child

can literally go wild here. There are touch squares,

mirror huts for quiet contemplation, gears to

assemble, stories to recompose, boats to float,

dandelions to blow at, tightrope walkers, jumping

jacks to direct, cars to build and mazes to tackle.

We spent most of the time at the children’s only building site. Every child puts on their hard

hat and safety jacket and they work together to build a house. Filled with wheel barrels,

bricks, a conveyor belt and cranes, this worksite provides children with a real sense of

teamwork and accomplishment.

Being some-what of a design snob as well as a designer for children’s spaces, Children’s

Cité blew me away. The design flawless, the consideration of children on point and a location

settled on foot of an amazing Parisian park — to that I say magnifique et superbe!

To read more from Minor Details, visit www.minordetails.typepad.com

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Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is located at: 30, avenue Corentin-Cariou – 75019 Paris. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.

lmnop 18 lmnop.com.au

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

Backyard funMeet Audrey. She has the sweetest stitched face. Rosy cheerful cheeks and likes to wear her felt hair in pig tails. Audrey’s a busy rag doll. She enjoys going on vacation, visits to the library, attending Shakespeare festivals and one of her favourite past times is running through the sprinkler. As shown here! If you like to do any of these activities and are looking for a companion, she’s the girl for you. When she arrived at LMNOP headquarters, she wore a tag that said ‘Hello! I’m Audrey runs through the sprinkler. Thanks for choosing me’!

Audrey runs through the sprinkler, US$55 Little Big Pants, littlebigpants.etsy.com

Text by JENNY LACEY

Above: Ugly Doll Bop n’

Beep. Uglydoll, C$31

Below: Stackable

Bilibos in ModernKid’s

window. Bilibo, C$36.

Enzo Mari’s Pop

Orange chair, Magis

Seggiolina, C$95.00.

Hand-knitted dolls,

Blabla, C$46.00 each Below: ModernKid carries the

Monte Cubino. A kid’s chair you

won’t need to hide when guests

arrive! It’s made of thick, durable

foam and is covered with a soft

polyester two-tone colour canvas.

Sturdy, lightweight and extra

comfortable. Monte, from C$90

Above: A selection of unique

gifts at ModernKid

Left: Trebimbi 3 piece utensils

sets. Rivadossi, C$28. Babal

balls — 2 balls in one. Babal,

C$28

Below left: Blabla kids sit in

a built-in naughty chair

custom-made for ModernKid’s

counter. Blabla Kids, C$46

Below right: Screen printed

wall art. Dwell Studio, C$90.

Eco-friendly modular carpet

tiles. Flor, POA

Left: Limited edition,

wood alphabet apple

created by local artist,

Dale Nigel Goble. Hang

or set to rest against

the wall on a side table.

DNG, C$250

Below left: Strollers

are parked beneath an

indoor forest of trees

A Modern Take on KidsI took a trip to Vancouver recently and had it on good advice that ModernKid, located in

the beautiful historic neighborhood of Gastown was the store to hit if one was searching

for beautifully designed modern products for kids (0-6yrs) and parents.

Owners Dorothy Reehal and Kerry Koodoo sourced a comprehensive collection of high

quality, thoughtfully designed, visually interesting and innovative products from around

the world. As parents of small children themselves, they searched everywhere for toys,

furniture and accessories that would integrate well within modern homes. ModernKid is

Vancouver’s one-stop resource for all things modern for your little ones and eye candy

for the modern parent.

Modern Kid, 45 Water Street, Vancouver BC, Canada

604 662 3181, modernkid.com lmnop.com.au

lmnop.com.au

CITY TOUR

VANCOUVERShop

Chachkas2423 Granville St, 604 688 6417 chachkas.ca

Pick up a Matt & Nat handbag and drool over a fine selection of Me & Ro jewellery.

Knotty Toys Kids Market Granville Island 1496 Cartwright St 604 683 7854, knottytoys.com

A store dedicated to bringing you the world’s best selection of wooden toys. They have a great collection of wooden letters and toys that you didn’t know still existed.

Urban Source 3126 Main St, 604 875 1611 urbansource.bc.ca

Manufacturing discards are stocked in large barrels and sold in bulk to the public at this popular neighbourhood drop-in. A great resource for budding artists, teachers, and families. Fill a brown paper bag as high as you can and take home for crafting.

Eat

Cafe Medina556 Beatty St, Crosstown 604 879 3114, medinacafe.com

Warm waffles served all day. With toppings like Lavendar milk chocolate, Rasberry caramel, Pistachio white chocolate and Mixed berry compote.

Little Nest 1716 Charles St, 604 251 9994 littlenest.ca

A parent-friendly café off Commercial Drive. A great play area stocked with clean books and toys. And a reasonably priced menu offering local and organic fare.

Picnic3010 Granville St, Vancouver 604 732 4405

It’s hard to walk past this bakery café without being tempted by the rather large heavenly cakes and cookies in the window. They do not disappoint! Located next to Meinhardt supermarket.

Sleep

Times Square Suites200–1821 Robson St, 604 684 2223, timessquaresuites.com

Times Square Suites is the perfect home away from home for families visiting Vancouver. The suites are spacious and clean. Each has a fully equipped kitchen along with a washer and dryer to save trips to the local laudromat. Cots are also available if travelling with infants. Located in the heart of downtown. A Capers supermarket within walking distance as well as Vancouver’s famous Stanley Park.

Play

Stanley Park Main entrance at the west end of Georgia St city.vancouver.bc.ca

Truly one of the great parks of the world! An evergreen oasis of 400 hectares. Family attractions include an antique fire engine, horse-drawn carriage rides, and lots of playgrounds.

Waffles in Cafe Medina’s windowMe & Ro, Baby Cut Out Pendant from Chachkas

Fill up a bag at Urban Source

Text by JENNY LACEY

www.gifts4kidz.com.au

Exciting online storeGifts for Newborn

to TeenageDelivery Australia-wide

The Regional Assembly of Text 3934 Main St, Vancouver BC 604 877 2247, assemblyoftext.com

Brandy Fedoruk and Rebecca Dolen, have created a unique store filled with vintage file cabinets, manual typewriters and merchandise that celebrates the printed word. They carry stationery sets, cards, buttons, t-shirts, iron-on patches and journals. You can sign up for a letter writing class or the One Button A Month Club to receive by mail, exactly that — one button per month! Definitely worth a visit.

CELEBRATING text

kiki &pollyTransform a photograph of

your child into a beautiful

line art portrait. Mother

and artist, Lisa Golightly

translates your classic family

snapshots into canvas

keepsakes, superbly drawn

in line art using splashes

of colour on warm earthy-

toned backgrounds.

Text by KATE FENWICK

Lisa created Kiki & Polly after she was inspired by her

own desire to capture the dreamy days of her children’s

adventures and document them in a manner fit for a

gallery. The very name speaks of a child’s fantastic

perspective that can fade with age; Kiki is the nickname

bestowed to a local bird by her daughter that appears in

their family yard, and Polly is her imaginary best friend.

Lisa’s unique portraits transform the transient childhood

delights of birthday parties, garden flowers and paper

planes into endearing pieces of art, preserving the joy of

a moment for a lifetime.

As well as line art, Lisa offers a more “classic” portrait

incorporating your child’s face on an acrylic painting with

your choice of setting. Your littlie can star as a sailor on

the high seas or jumping puddles in bright gum boots;

siblings can share the stage on a tandem bicycle.

To see more of this stunning range, visit kikiandpolly.com

then send in your child’s picture and wait for the magical

art world of Kiki & Polly to come to life.

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Smaller than most mobile phones, the remarkable Flip Video Mino camcorder fits neatly into your coat pocket, ready to capture life’s tiny moments whenever and wherever they happen. The Flip allows you to capture up to 60 minutes of high-quality video. Then simply plug the camcorder’s flip-out USB arm into any PC or Mac for instant editing and sharing. Go on, get one. The online grandparents will love you for it.

Flip Video Mino, US$139.95, bhphotovideo.com Goose Grease custom painted family, US$58, goosegrease.etsy.com

Mini movies

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Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON Styling by JENNY LACEY

lmnop.com.au

chicago serves up families a great vacation

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

The Bean — Millenium Park

See

Model Railroad Garden Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe phone: 847 835 5440, chicagobotanic.org/forfamilies/

See a one-of-a-kind Model Railroad, set amid gardens that use miniature plan varieties. Watch model trains wind through mini scenes of America’s favourite landmarks.

Lincoln Park Zoo 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago phone: 312 742 2000, lpzoo.org

When visiting the zoo, make sure you stop and play at Tom and Spenser Luckey’s custom-designed climbing structure. It runs about 50 feet horizontally and a manmade tree rises up through the centre.

The Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago phone: 312 922 9410, fieldmuseum.org

Go see Sue, the largest most complete and preserved Tyrannosaurus rex fossil yet discovered, at Chicago’s best family museum.

Millennium ParkMichigan Avenue between Madison and Monroe millenniumpark.org

The Crown Fountain by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa is a must-see! The 50-foot block towers project the faces of 1000 Chicago citizens onto LED sceens. Water flows through an outlet in the screen to give the illusion of water sprouting from their mouths.

Shop

Lollie1312 Chicago Avenue, Evanston phone: 847 328 7303, lollieshop.com

Colourful jars of candy line the walls of this nostalgic children’s boutique. There’s a great story book corner and an eclectic mix of childrenswear brands.

Paper Doll2048 West Division, Chicago phone: 773 227 6950, paperdollchicago.com

Visit the Swett sisters for vintage and modern greeting cards, some quirky treasures and unique gifts.

The T-Shirt Deli1739 N. Damen, Bucktown phone: 773 276 6266, tshirtdeli.com

This deli serves up custom made t-shirts and onesies daily. Pick a shirt, pick a slogan or image and they’ll deliver!

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Paper Doll

Luckey Climber at Lincoln Park Zoo

The Crown Fountain at Millennium Park

Model Railroad Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden Family Guide

Text by JENNY LACEY

The sprawling city of Chicago offers up some

great activites to keep everyone

entertained. This will be one family

vacation you’ll never forget.

The Field Museum

Lollie

TWO-BITES. Small plate dining is here to stay in The City of Big Shoulders. Some of my favourite two-bite establishments include The Green Zebra for vegetarians, Avec for a Mediterranean shared-table experience, and Minnies for the whole family.

Minnies has the feel of a 1950’s soda fountain shop with a modern twist on one of America’s most beloved menu items: two-bite sandwiches! Guests order 3, 6 or 12 sandwiches. From Tuna Minnie Melt to Pesto Chicken, the menu is huge.

We settled in with sodas served in small bottles (who knew they came in two gulp sizes?). Our meal arrived on cafeteria-

style trays with a not-so-mini-serving of skinny fries. My girls stuck with the kid favourites: Minnie Cheeseburgers with grilled cheese. My husband and I tried the Mykonos: roast chicken with tzaziki and a Kalamata tempenade on a grilled baguette, and the BBQ Pulled Pork on brioche.

When the bill came, instead of mints we were treated to fun plastic rings scripted with a red letter “M”. The kids were delighted with their new “bling”.

For dessert, we skipped over to Swirlz, a little bakery with the philosophy that “cupcakes make people happy”. Their

Red Velvet and Banana Nutella cupcakes are testament to that!

WORDfrom Chicago

Minnies 1969 North Halsted Chicago 312 943 9900 minnies.com

Swirlz Cupcakes 705 W. Belden Lincoln Park, Chicago 773 404 2253 swirlzcupcakes.com

Text by SONYA CHOE MILLER

“It all came to me one morning. While putting down my little man for his morning nap, I had an epiphany. Standing there in his picture-perfect nursery, I began to fantasize about designing for the next stage: his big-boy room. As I watched him fade off, nestled snug in his polka-dot, kiddie-couture crib linens, I was struck by a daunting thought, “What the heck kind of bedding are we going to outfit your big-boy bed with?”

Jeanice Skvaril has a background in product and graphic design — and an eye

for opportunity. She caught a glimpse of the enemy: licensed characters in

children’s bedrooms, stifling their imaginations. So she founded Boodalee.

Boodalee, named after her son’s nickname, is her stylish bedding range for

“bigger littlies”. The designs are bold and colourful — yet intricate enough to

let a child’s imagination soar. Your little dreamer can cosy up to circus friends,

take a bedtime space adventure or curl up under a tree amongst squirrels.

Available in standard twin and duvet sets in 250-thread-count cotton linens,

with drawstring bags to match. Vist boodalee.com

Boodalee A sweet bedtime tale

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going green If we want to preserve the

natural beauty of our planet for future generations, we all need to make small changes to help turn things around. Here are a few products we’ve found that can help make a difference in the home - from a fun shower timer to recycled art and craft. Remember, every step we take to reduce our carbon footprint helps pave a future brighter for our kids.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Biodegradable, ‘Secret Garden’ shoes. Available in size 6–12 mths & 12–18 mths.

No Added Sugar, $43.95 minifashionista.com.au

SAVE H2O

This friendly green turtle will help you keep time in the shower. He’s a digital timer, water and steam proof, and his suction cup back will hold to your bathroom tiles.

Ripple Products, $19.95 rippleprocucts.com.au

FEED HORMONE-FREE

These bottles are made from a safe, durable plastic called Polyethersulfone which isn’t porous or reactive. BPA-free!

Green to Grow, from $16.95 ecochild.com.au

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SUBSCRIBE

FREElmnop.com.au

lmnopLAUGH • MAKE • NURTURE • ORGANISE • PLAY

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GREEN IDEA

Text by JENNY LACEYgoing green

BE A VOICE

Earth-friendly tees made from low impact dyes and methods.

Tiny Revolutionary, $38.95 kidsgiftlist.com.au

WHISTLE A HAPPY TUNE

Under a Shady Tree is our favourite child tune on earth.

Laurie Berkner, US$12.97 amazon.comGO BIODEGRADABLE

This no-rinse cleanser for hands and little faces is PH balanced, biodegradable and will fit the smallest of purses. Available in

three unique scents. Get clean anywhere.

Momspit, from US$7 momspit.com

TASTE NATURE

Certified organic lip balm, made with

natural ingredients.

Oopsidaisi, $6.95 latoriana.com.au

SLEEP NATURALLY

Lavender and flaxseed filled Babushka dolls to calm little people at bedtime. The perfect size to tuck under a pillow.

Oopsidaisi, $12.95 latoriana.com.au

RECYCLED HOMES

Portable, cardboard house. DIY decorating. When you’ve outgrown this home just recycle it.

Kidsonroof, $39, sip.sinot.co.nz

SPREAD THE WORD

This unforgetable classic will remind you that nature is our friend.

By Shel Silverstein, $19.95 kidostore.com

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Looking for an environmentally

friendly fundraising idea? Smencils

(left) are a great way to raise funds,

help the environment, and generate

real interest by offering something

other than chocolates! To order call

Smencils on 1300 763 624 or

visit smencils.com.au for details.

SAVE TREES

Smencils are gourmet scented pencils made

from 100% recycled newspapers. Flavours include Grape, Cherry,

Orange and Bubble Gum.

Smencils, Bag Set $14.00 smencils.com.au

BITE FRIENDLY

These teethers soothe the teething beast in all babies. Hand-made in the USA with Ohio Maple and finished with certified organic seed oils.

Little Alouette, from US$14 littlealouette.etsy.com

SEND A MESSAGE

Take an enviro-friendly note to your teacher. Set includes 12 notes, kraft envelopes and seals.

Imprintables, $35 imprintables.com.au

going green

home-made

NATURE PAIL

Home-made by Riley (with help from mum) Age: 4

Materials used:

Empty container Lid with a handle Pen & paper

Turn off the TV and head on a tour of your neighbourhood. This nature pail will make a long walk interesting. Before you leave the house make a list of items to look for along the way. Anything goes — pebbles, flowers, small sticks and interesting leaves. Wear your walking shoes. You might be gone for a long time!

Photographed by IAN MACPHERSON

lmnop.com.au

GIVE ORGANIC A complete outfit packaged in a recycled kraft gift box! Long sleeve tee & yoga pant gift set.

Pixel Organics, $58.95 cinnamonbear.com.au

BE PRESERVATIVE-FREE

California Baby’s Cold & Flu blend works to unblock mucus and ease congestion with a blend of Douglas fir and eucalyptus. Works great in a warm bath. Seriously good stuff!

California Baby, from US$10.95 californiababy.com

BE 100% NATURAL

Striped layette in 100% all natural cotton.

Egg by Susan Lazar, $69.30 minifashionista.com.au

REFILL INSTEAD

Refill a Sigg bottle instead.

Whole Foods Market, C$23.99 wholefoodsmarket.com

WEAR ORGANIC

Gnome t-shirt made with the softest, organic cotton available.

Little Lark, from $33.95 mypoppet.com.au

SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE

Support a community of rural women in Zimbabwe who hand knit these exquisite natural cotton blankets.

Grasshoppers, $55.95 mypoppet.com.au

FRESH IS BEST

These freshly picked crocheted flower and pea baby rattles carry a sweet bell inside.

Timberdoodles, $15.95 ollierose.com.au

SAY NO TO PLASTIC

Carry a handy bag at all times.

Whole Foods Market, C$2.99, wholefoodsmarket.com

online

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Text by JENNY LACEY

www.boodalee.com

Big on imagination, great colours

and modern designs, Boodalee is the

one- stop shop for children’s bedding.

Choose from Circus, City, Trees, and

World in Pink, just to name a few.

Handy fabric swatches of each design

give you a close-up view. This feature

makes the decision harder because

you’ll want to stock the hall closet with

ALL of them! With throw pillows to

match, sets are packaged in reusable

drawstring cloth bags made of the

same fabric as the items enclosed. So

when you receive your order, making

beds will feel like child’s play.

www.enfantterribleshop.com

Step into a stylised French village of

building block houses where animated

locals gather on this enchanting

website. Watch a while as the scene

unfolds then hop in to explore. You can

download a colour-it-in illustration —

a petite distraction for your little ones

whilst you fill your cart. You’ll find a

carefully curated collection of exquisite

items, including Tamar Mogendorff’s

bird cages, a Flora and Henri halter one-

piece swimsuit, and Mohr Polster’s baby

swing. Ooo là là — your cart is full!

www.mymessyroom.com.au

If you can’t make the trip to Summer

Hill to visit Stav Hatchett’s My Messy

Room, this website will let you take a

look inside. You might find yourself

picking up a few things and putting

them away in your Wish List. Browse

the bookshelf, go through the toybox,

take a sneak peek at Stav’s journal,

and check out what’s in the wardrobe.

Mymessyroom.com.au carries the

same great mix of eclectic gifts, stylish

fashion, toys and books that the store

does. Like hanging out at your best

friend’s place after school and checking

out all their cool stuff, only no one will

call out ‘It’s time to go home!’

www.eggpress.com

Hoorray! The forever expanding range

of Egg Press products are now available

online. This clever team located in

Portland, Oregon, are best known for

their hand-made letterpress greeting

cards. But they also make elegant

calendars, sew-it-yourself stitch kits,

limited edition paper doll prints and

darling children’s tees and onesies. To

keep things fresh, Egg Press only offer

a limited selection of their products for

sale online. Once they sell out, brand

new creations fill their place, so don’t

hesitate if you see something you like.

It might not be there when you return!

Kideko, a company dedicated to producing modern, stylish bed

sets and room accessories for kids are developing a new range.

Recognising the importance of involving their young customers,

Kideko invited 9 creative kids to a crafty, ideas workshop at Stav

Hatchett’s My Messy Room. Coloured milkshakes and plenty of

cupcakes were on offer to get the creative juices flowing. Lots

of themes were explored and the kids had plenty of suggestions

about what designs should hit the store shelves next year. When

the afternoon wrapped up, everyone left with full tummies and

a Kideko Utility bag full of treats.

Above: Custom-made Kideko floor cushions created for

the event. Below: Craft supplies and cupcakes are set

out for the afternoon’s activities. Bottom centre: Some

very creative kids!

Right: Shelley and the

kids start brainstorming

ideas. Bottom right:

Kids start drawing up

their designs. Kideko’s

Utility bags filled with

take home goodies,

and hung from the My

Messy Room staircase.

Milkshakes arrive in

a milk crate! All the

kids present their

final ideas for Kideko’s

new collection.

Messy MitesA crafty afternoon at My Messy Room

for these creative kids.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Ian MacPherson

Come play with Kideko at

My Messy Room

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WALL ARTNever before has there been so much choice for what to put

on your children’s walls. We’ve brought together some pieces that are sure to brighten up any room.

lmnop.com.au

FAMILY TREE Julie Marabelle

15.7 x 19.6” Picture poster that you can customise with your own family photographs. £45 famillesummerbelle.com

COWBOYS & INDIANS Mandy Sutcliffe

1 1 x 14” Mounted print. £35

belleandboo.com

WALLPAPER PANEL ART Lisa Golightly

12 x 12” A blend of graphic wallpaper and charming handpainted silouettes. US$95 kikiandpolly.com

POISSONS Marion Billet

19.5 x 27.5” Picture poster. 59¤, laffichemoderne.com

TRANSPORT Marion Billet

19.5 x 19.5” Picture poster. 59¤,

laffichemoderne.com

SQUIRREL ON BOARD Charles S. Anderson Design

1 1.25 x 14” Pop Ink Decor-a-Boards, made out of birch veneer over MDF board. $US28 mrfrench.com

ISAK ABC ALPHABET Sandra Isaksson

16.5 x 23.5” A fun, bright educational poster. C$51 modernkid.com

ISAK 1 TO 10 Sandra Isaksson

16.5 x 23.5” A stylish counting poster. $65 kindergallery.com.au

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juliette turnsa photo story by Monika Elena

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for juliette’s first birthday, my mom and i planned a

sugar & spice themed party. it was simple enough, but still

cute and whimsical for a first birthday party. we

invited a few other playmates, but mostly adults for an

afternoon of catch ups and tea. it was a beautiful,

intimate birthday celebration for a very sweet girl.

right: The decorations consisted of jars filled

with all the pink and brown candy I could find

at the candy store.

this page: My mom owns a French antique shop, so she supplied most of the specialty items: old French pink ribbons, antique glass candy jars, fun containers with whim, teacups, and a beautiful little setting in her midtown apartment. We also draped candy and candy-themed ornaments on a little white tree.

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sugar&spice

above: We also filled a large hand painted container with fresh pink roses and an assortment of other pink flowers in antique jugs and vases.

left: I cut a large number one out of cardboard. Then applied some glue to the piece and sprinkled German crushed antique glass glitter on it.

right: Organic pink cupcakes from the

local bakery.

this page: We also draped candy and candy-themed ornaments on a little white tree.

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Visit monikaelenaphoto.com to see more of Monika’s photography.

LEFTOVERS

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High and low Introducing the HiLo chair. A colourful, dual height chair that will keep toddlers well seated from 6 months to 6 years. Unlike any other, with one easy manoeuvre, the chair conveniently swivels from high-chair to an under-table chair. A one-piece molded plastic seat is held together by wild cherry wood folding legs. There’s a raised tray lip to stop bowls and cups flying. And the crotch bar helps baby stay put. It’s an attractive more functional version of the humble high-chair which comes in four refreshing colours of Asparagus, Carrot, Portobello and Rasberry.

Age Design, C$350, ModernKid, modernkid.com

How does your garden grow?You won’t need a green thumb to keep these pretty flower pots

happy. Artist Jennifer Talbot hand-creates garden varieties such

as the Gerbera Daisy, a Brown Eyed Susan and the plain but sweet

Daisy made of felt, beads and buttons. Sure to brighten up your

space and bring a smile to the curious little person in your life.

Felt flower pots, US$46 each, bdelicious.com

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Text by Kate Fenwick

LITTLE COOKS Little Kitchen is Australia’s first organic cookery school designed and custom-built especially for children. Young chefs can choose from an array of yummy classes. Places fill up fast so make sure

you book well in advance.

Call 1300 722 095 or vist littlekitchen.com.au to see a class schedule

PRETTY JEWELS

L.A. based jeweller Ronni Kappos works with colourful

German vintage glass beads to create gorgeous abstract

pieces. This multi charms bracelet has an adjustable

sliding bead closure making it perfect for all wrist sizes.

Ronni Kappos, £63, caramel–shop.co.uk

Meet Me at Mike’s, a Melbourne craft house

and bunch of all-round good guys are calling

on anyone who can stitch, sew, crochet or

knit to contribute their handmade soft toys

to a cause they truly believe in: The Mirabel

Foundation.

Donated toys will be displayed in their Fitzroy

shop window until 1 September. A selection

of softies will be auctioned on ebay with funds

going to Mirabel. Any toy that doesn’t find a

home during bidding season will be given to

the Mirabel Christmas Appeal to become a

welcome stocking stuffer for a child in need.

To get your hands on some of these adorable

little folk and share the love, check out the

sweet softies on offer through eBay or

www.meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com

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CALLING ALL SOFTIES